Yes, America has gotten freer

In a recent post on Sen. Ron Johnson's comments on "Atlas Shrugged," I noted that in many ways the country has gotten freer since it was published in 1957. A skeptical reader demanded to know in what ways. Here's a preliminary list:

--Women enjoy legal equality and are no longer barred by law or custom from many jobs.

--Jim Crow is dead and minorities are protected from discrimination.

--Industries like telecommunications, banking, trucking and airlines have been deregulated.

--Import barriers have been lowered or eliminated.

--Radio and TV stations are far freer to air opinions.

--Gambling and pornography are legal.

--Medical marijuana is allowed in many states.

--Sodomy laws are history.

--The military draft has been abolished.

--The Supreme Court has ruled that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to own guns, and most states have permissive concealed-carry laws.

--School choice is a reality in many places.

--Marginal tax rates are lower.

I'm sure there are others I'm overlooking. All this represents an impressive expansion of personal liberty.